Exclusive: Iqbal Singh Chahal discusses transforming Mumbai into a model metropolis through mega initiatives

In an exclusive conversation, the former BMC Commissioner and esteemed bureaucrat discusses setting new benchmarks in urban development—transforming Mumbai into a model metropolis with mega initiatives—such as the Coastal Road Project, Mumbai Beautification Project, upcoming Central Park by RWITC, and ongoing “Third Mumbai”—each one a bold stroke in gifting the city its new skyline and future.

Meet Iqbal Singh Chahal, the Covid Warrior who didn’t just fight a pandemic but also reimagined the urban landscape of Mumbai. As BMC Commissioner, he spearheaded the transformative Coastal Road Project, reclaiming 111 hectares and constructing India’s largest sea tunnels, earning coverage from the Discovery Channel as a mega-structure. His visionary Wastewater Treatment Initiative aims to recycle 66% of Mumbai’s wastewater by 2027, revitalising marine life and enhancing the city’s ecological balance. Picture this: fish swimming in clean city waters, thanks to his relentless efforts.

Inspired by New York’s iconic green oasis, Chahal’s Central Park Project is set to give Mumbai its own verdant retreat, promising recreational space, biodiversity, and aesthetic appeal, drawing inspiration from both Central Park and London’s Hyde Park. He’s also a heritage hero, reviving the BMC headquarters and ancient forts, striking a perfect chord between modern marvels and historic charm. At just 22, Chahal shattered records as the youngest IAS officer and served an unprecedented four-year tenure as BMC Commissioner. His academic brilliance, boasting two doctorates, paved the way for his transformative roles in the Indian bureaucracy.

Now, as Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Chahal’s vision extends to creating a whole new urban centre between Panvel and Raigad. This ‘Third Mumbai’ is poised to ease the city’s growing congestion and sculpt its future. His drive for transformative change continues to shape Mumbai’s future, earning him widespread respect and admiration. Chahal’s audacious vision and fearless execution are setting new benchmarks for urban development across India. With him at the helm, Maharashtra is undoubtedly in the best hands, and the future is not just bright—it’s brilliantly blinding.

Excerpts from the interview…
Q. To begin with, you became the youngest IAS officer in India at the age of 22, which is a remarkable achievement. Tell us a little bit about your background, where you started off, and your early influences in life.
Iqbal Chahal: I was born to a father who was in the army, which meant we moved frequently. We lived in places like Patiala, Pathankot, Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, Jodhpur, Faizabad in UP, and Tezpur in Assam. I had to change schools seven times to complete my 10+2 education. My brother and I studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya Central Schools under CBSE. Despite these frequent relocations, I consistently stood first in my class from 1st to 12th grade. After completing my schooling, I pursued engineering at Thapar University in Patiala. I was fortunate to clear the IAS exam on my first attempt and joined the IAS academy in 1989. My father’s dedication to his military career and the discipline it instilled in our family were significant influences on my life and career choices.

Q: How did IAS happen and how were you able to achieve it?
IC: To crack IAS, you must be very studious. I never ranked second from class 1 to 12; I always topped. Despite frequent relocations, I maintained academic excellence, standing third in India in the CBSE exams and first in biology with 99%. I topped my engineering college too. After graduating at 21, I immediately took the IAS prelims in 1988. It took 16 months to clear all stages before joining the IAS academy in 1989. The day my IAS result came, one of my teachers, who was the head of the department of electronics and telecommunication, met me. He said, ‘Iqbal, today your 21 years of fixed deposit, which you invested in yourself, has matured. This maturity will take you to the skies.’ What he meant was that I had worked hard for 21 years of my life, and now, by getting into the IAS, the sky was the limit.

Q: How did your career in the IAS shape your approach to urban planning and development, especially in a city as dynamic as Mumbai?
IC: My career in the IAS taught me to be a generalist, learning on the job and adapting to various roles. Whether it was rural development as a district collector or urban development as BMC Commissioner, each role added to my understanding of governance and infrastructure development. Handling the COVID-19 crisis in Mumbai was a significant challenge, but it also provided an opportunity to streamline operations and make quick, impactful decisions. The experience of managing different aspects of administration, from law and order to resource management, has given me a comprehensive perspective on urban planning.

Q: Could you explain the hierarchy in the Indian bureaucracy and how it influenced your journey to becoming the youngest BMC Commissioner?
IC: The IAS follows strict seniority, progressing batch by batch. I’m from the 1989 batch. When COVID-19 struck in March 2020, the Government of India was dissatisfied with the BMC’s response and decided to replace the commissioner. Despite being number 36 in seniority, I was appointed as the BMC Commissioner, bypassing four batches, due to my track record and performance, making me the youngest to hold the position.

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Q: What challenges did you face during the coastal road project, particularly concerning environmental and structural aspects?
IC: One of the major challenges was relocating coral reefs to obtain environmental clearance. This required the expertise of global specialists to ensure proper relocation and certification. Constructing the tunnels under Malabar Hill was another significant challenge due to the hard igneous rock, which necessitated the use of tunnel boring machines instead of traditional blasting methods. Additionally, we had to address the vibrations caused by tunnelling to prevent damage to buildings above. Monitoring these vibrations and ensuring structural integrity were crucial to the project’s success. The involvement of local communities, such as the fishermen from Worli Koliwada, also required sensitive handling to address their concerns and secure their cooperation.

Q. During your tenure, you have spearheaded several key projects in Mumbai. Give us a deep dive into the coastal road project and the engineering feats involved?
IC: The Coastal Road Project is a mega initiative designed to enhance mobility and public transportation. The entire project is built on 111 hectares of reclaimed land without using an inch of existing land. It includes the construction of India’s largest sea tunnels, with a 12.19-metre diameter. Unlike the porous rocks of the Himalayas, the igneous rock under Malabar Hill required the use of tunnel boring machines. Unlike traditional sea links, the coastal road features multiple interchanges to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion. For instance, at Haji Ali, there are 16 interchanges allowing for smoother traffic flow. Added to the charm is the scenic route along the coastline which will transform commuting for Mumbaikars along with easing traffic and experiencing a beautiful drive.

Q: What role did architects and structural engineers play in this project, and how were they chosen?
IC: For mega structures like the coastal road, structural engineers are the primary architects. They ensure the stability and safety of the construction. We collaborated with top firms from Hong Kong, Singapore, and the USA for aesthetic elements and structural design. The coastal garden, which is part of the project, involved AECOM, a renowned American company, to develop a world-class theme park on the reclaimed land. We conducted global bids to ensure we had the best experts working on this project. These international collaborations brought advanced engineering techniques and aesthetic considerations to create a functional yet visually appealing infrastructure.

Q. Your involvement with the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) is another notable aspect of your career. Could you elaborate on this experience?
IC: The RWITC is one of the oldest and most prestigious turf clubs in India. The lease had expired in 2013, and there was a deadlock with the government and BMC regarding new laws and lease renewal. After multiple meetings with the management committee, I proposed creating a 300-acre Central Park on the RWITC premises. I explained the vision for the park and the benefits it would bring to Mumbai. An online vote followed, and 77% of the members supported the proposal, allowing us to move forward without any legal challenges. This project aims to provide a green oasis in the heart of Mumbai, similar to Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London, enhancing the city’s livability.

Q: How did the idea of a Central Park in Mumbai come about, and what are its expected features?
IC: The idea of a Central Park in Mumbai was inspired by my visits to Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London. I always wondered why such a facility was not available in our country. This park will be located on the reclaimed land from the coastal road project. It will be a massive green space with diverse recreational facilities, including jogging tracks, cycling paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The park will also feature cultural spaces for performances and art installations. We have allocated 700 crore rupees for developing this park, with renowned companies like AACOM involved in its design. This project aims to provide Mumbaikars with much-needed open space and a green oasis amidst the urban hustle.

Q: Considering the complexity of maintaining a large-scale park, do you believe the citizens and institutions of this city are equipped to handle such a responsibility?
IC: Absolutely, our Marine Drive is far cleaner than Oxford Street today. So, the world is changing, and you just have to create a product. For example, the day Central Park was announced, I received messages from prominent business leaders expressing their willingness to participate in its development. Many industrial houses are keen to get involved. They are ready to invest a thousand crore rupees to build and maintain this garden. So, you have to create an ecosystem, and then people take over.

Q: Could you tell us about the Mumbai beautification project and its impact on the city’s landscape?
IC: The Mumbai beautification project was initiated under the leadership of our Chief Minister, Mr. Eknath Shinde. This project involved almost 1,250 initiatives, including the beautification of hundreds of flyovers, lighting up the city, upgrading traffic islands, and restoring heritage properties like Worli Fort and Bandra Fort. We also focused on improving public spaces like gardens, making them safer and more enjoyable for citizens. The project included installing LED lights throughout the city, ensuring continuous illumination from Mantralaya to Dahisar. These efforts have significantly improved Mumbai’s aesthetics and livability. The initiative reflects our commitment to transforming Mumbai into a world-class city with well-maintained public spaces and vibrant cultural sites.

Q: How have your projects in Mumbai addressed sustainability concerns, particularly in terms of sewage management?
IC: Sustainability is a cornerstone of our projects. For instance, we are constructing seven wastewater treatment plants to recycle Mumbai’s sewage water, preventing marine pollution and providing potable water. By 2027, 66% of this treated water will be converted into drinking water. This initiative addresses
long-term environmental concerns and ensures a sustainable water supply for the city. Additionally, introducing 10,000 electric buses will reduce carbon emissions, and the desalination plant will convert seawater into drinking water, eliminating the need for further deforestation to build dams. These projects collectively contribute to the long-term sustainability of Mumbai’s urban ecosystem, ensuring development does not come at the expense of the environment.

Q: Can you share insights into the restoration projects you have led, particularly the BMC headquarters and other heritage structures?
IC: Restoring the BMC headquarters was a significant project, costing 270 crore rupees. The restoration work, led by heritage architect Abha Narain Lambah, has transformed the building into a modern marvel while preserving its historical essence. We have also undertaken the restoration of forts like Sewri, Worli, Bandra, and Mahim, as well as upgrading the Crawford Market, ensuring these heritage sites remain integral to Mumbai’s cultural landscape. These projects involved meticulous planning and collaboration with heritage experts to maintain the architectural integrity while updating the facilities to modern standards. The successful restoration of these structures reflects our commitment to preserving Mumbai’s rich history amidst its rapid modernisation.

Q: How do you manage the balance between urbanisation and heritage preservation?
IC: Balancing urbanisation with heritage preservation is crucial. Mumbai has a heritage committee that acts as a watchdog to ensure no heritage structure is touched without proper clearance. We have created many heritage precincts, like the Marine Drive Heritage Precinct, to protect the architectural integrity of historical buildings. These efforts ensure that while Mumbai evolves as a modern city, it retains its cultural and historical essence. The heritage committee comprises experts from the private sector who ensure that any renovation or development work does not compromise the city’s historical landmarks. This approach allows us to celebrate Mumbai’s rich history while paving the way for future growth.”

Q: How do you see Mumbai’s status as a global financial hub and its cleanliness initiatives?
IC: Mumbai has the potential to become a global financial hub, competing with cities like Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong. To achieve this, we need to upgrade our infrastructure and beautify the city. The government is showing keen interest in investing in projects towards improved infrastructure to attract international investors. The vision is to make Mumbai a world-class city with top-tier facilities.

South Mumbai today is cleaner than many global cities like New York and London. Cleanliness initiatives have included removing garbage and unauthorised settlements, upgrading gardens, and maintaining traffic islands. For example, a family living under the Kemp’s Corner flyover was resettled with over a crore rupees to keep the area clean. The LED lighting project ensured no missing poles from Mantralaya to Dahisar. These efforts have significantly improved the city’s cleanliness and safety, making Mumbai a model for other urban centres.

Q: Looking beyond India, are there any cities or urban development projects abroad that particularly inspire you?
IC: Dubai is an exemplary model of urban development. Despite being a desert with no natural resources like oil, Dubai has transformed into a global hub through visionary leadership and resource mobilisation. They achieved this by creating a business-friendly environment with no income tax, attracting companies and investments from around the world. The success of Dubai highlights the importance of strategic planning and innovative solutions in urban development. Dubai’s ability to build a thriving metropolis from scratch, focusing on tourism, business, and technology, serves as an inspiration for cities worldwide.

Q: During your tenure as BMC Commissioner, what was one of the most impactful moments or projects you managed?
IC: One of the most impactful moments was during the COVID-19 crisis, specifically the night of 17 April 2021. Mumbai was facing a severe oxygen shortage, with 168 patients in six hospitals at risk of dying within hours. We mobilised 200 ambulances and transferred all 168 patients to our Jumbo centres with larger oxygen reserves. This operation was unprecedented and saved many lives. The media praised our efforts, and even Gurdas Maan, a legendary singer from Punjab, told me to narrate this story to my grandchildren. This experience underscored the importance of quick decision-making and effective crisis management in saving lives.

Q: What legacy do you hope to leave behind, and what are the most pressing challenges for Mumbai’s future development?
IC: The biggest challenge is balancing rapid urbanisation with heritage preservation and sustainability. Transformative projects during my tenure aimed to integrate modern infrastructure with sustainable practices. Ensuring Mumbai evolves while maintaining its cultural heritage and addressing environmental concerns is crucial for its future development.

Q: What’s next on your agenda in your new role as Additional Secretary to the CM of Maharashtra?
IC: In my current role, I am focused on implementing the government’s vision, including the development of a third Mumbai between Panvel and Raigad. This ambitious project will require meticulous planning and execution, aiming to create a new city that complements Mumbai’s growth while addressing the needs of future generations. By developing this new urban centre, we aim to alleviate the pressure on Mumbai’s infrastructure and provide a sustainable, well-planned environment for future residents.